Elk River (Oklahoma) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk River |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Big Sugar Creek and Little Sugar Creek near Pineville, Missouri 860 ft (260 m) 36°35′18″N 94°22′58″W / 36.5883333°N 94.3827778°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Neosho River in Delaware County, Oklahoma 741 ft (226 m) 36°39′56″N 94°46′03″W / 36.6655556°N 94.7675°W |
| Length | 35 mi (56 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Elk River → Neosho → Arkansas → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 1092538 |
The Elk River is a river in the United States. It flows for about 35 miles (56 kilometers). You can find it in southwestern Missouri and northeastern Oklahoma. Some of its smaller streams also flow through northwestern Arkansas. The Elk River is part of a bigger water system. Its water eventually reaches the Mississippi River and then the Gulf of Mexico.
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Where the Elk River Flows
The Elk River starts where two smaller streams meet. These are Big Sugar Creek and Little Sugar Creek. This meeting point is near Pineville, Missouri. From there, the river flows mostly west. It goes through McDonald County, Missouri, passing by the town of Noel.
Journey to the Neosho River
The river then enters Delaware County, Oklahoma. Here, it joins the Neosho River. A large part of the Elk River in Oklahoma is now part of Grand Lake o' the Cherokees. This big lake was formed by the Pensacola Dam on the Neosho River.
Fun Activities on the River
The section of the Elk River between Big and Little Sugar Creeks and the dam at Noel, Missouri, is very popular. Many people enjoy fun water activities there. You can go canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or tubing down the river.
How the Elk River Got Its Name
The river is said to be named after elk. These large animals used to live in the area.
Another Idea for the Name
However, there is another story about the river's name. Some people say it was first called Cowskin. The name was later changed to Elk. This change might have happened because of Steve Elkins. He was a local politician, meaning he was involved in government and public affairs in the area.
